If you live or visit anywhere along the coastline, you’ve likely seen headlines warning of increased cases of Texas beachgoers encountering vibrio this summer. This bacteria is known as Vibrio vulnificus and it exists naturally in marine and estuarine environments throughout the world, including the warm coastal waters of Texas and some inland brackish lakes of the United States. Several Vibrio species are known to cause vibriosis infection in humans and all can be found in higher concentrations in the warmer months of the year. Vibrio can cause an infection of the skin when an open wound is exposed to warm seawater. It can also cause gastrointestinal illness in people who eat raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. People with underlying conditions, especially liver disease, diabetes or other immune-suppressing conditions may be at increased risk of infection and about 80 percent of infections occur in the summer months.

There are many tips for reducing your risk of vibriosis. If you have a recent wound (including fresh tattoos and piercings), stay out of brackish or saltwater, or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if you think it may come in contact with such water, shellfish or raw seafood juices. If you suffer a cut while swimming in natural bodies of water, immediately leave the water and thoroughly clean the wound. Do not return until the wound heals. If you are in a group more at risk for vibriosis, be sure to wear clothes or shoes that can protect you from cuts and scrapes when in salt or brackish water, and always wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood.

If you develop signs of a skin infection such as a rash or swelling or any gastrointestinal symptoms after eating raw or undercooked seafood, seek immediate medical attention and let your medical provider know that you have come into contact with salty or brackish water, or recently ingested raw seafood. Although early symptoms of vibriosis can be treated with oral medication, more severe cases may require hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and if wounds are present, surgical evaluations.

Overall, while vibriosis is a very serious condition, experts say that coastal citizens shouldn’t be scared, but remain aware of the risks involved. Staying in the know about vibrio can furtherensure an enjoyable and safe beach visit this year!

Weekly Events:
Wednesdays: 8:00 am-9:00 am Coffee & Conversation at POC Library
Wednesdays: 4:39 pm Boy Scouts meet at Scout Hall in Seadrift
Wednesdays: 1:00-3:30 Mah Jongg, POC Library
Thursdays: POC Bridge at Library 1:00-3:00 pm
Saturdays: 7:00 pm Friends of Bill W at First Baptist Church POC

Sat., Oct. 21 Fun for Fall POC Library
Sat., Oct. 21 Victoria Electric Annual Meeting
1:00 pm 704 Mallette Drive, Victoria
Thurs., Oct. 26 Sea Turtle Rescue Training
9:00 am Port O’Connor Library
Sat., Oct. 28 Seedrift Market Day
8:00-Noon Seadrift Train Station
Sat., Oct. 28 Halloween Carnival
3:00-5:30 pm Port O’Connor School
Sat., Oct. 28 Trunk or Treat
6:00 pm King Fisher Beach, POC; 7:00 pm Best Dressed Dog Contest
7:00 pm Best Dressed Dog Contest
Sun., Oct. 29 Gospel Sing-along
6:00 pm First Baptist Church, Seadrift
Tues., Oct. 31 Halloween Parade; then Trunk or Treat
6:00 pm Seadrift Bayfront
Wed., Nov. 1 Fruit & Citrus Tree Seminar
6:00 411 N. Wells, Edna, TX
Thurs. November 2 Service Club
10:00 am POC Com Cntr
Sat. Nov. 4 Thanksgiving Crafts & Games POC Library
Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. Daylight Saving Time Ends
Monday, Nov, 6 Calhoun County Republican Club
6:00 p.m Drifters Hall, 5287 Fm 3084, PL
Sat., Nov. 10 Farmers Market
8:00-Noon King Fisher Beach, POC
Sat., Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Sunday, Nov. 12 POC Community Thanksgiving Service
6:00 pm First Baptist Church, POC
Mon, Nov. 13 Veterans Day Program
9:00 am Seadrift School
Tues., Nov. 14 Hooked on Books
2:00 pm alanehaardt@yahoo.com
Thurs. Nov,15 Service Club– 10:00 am – POC Community Center

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”-unknown

Two years ago, thirteen soldiers died defending freedom. They were killed by a suicide bomber. It happened during our withdrawal from Afghanistan at the Kabul Airport. The date was August 26, 2021. It was a sad day in America. It was sadder still for the families who lost their loved ones. Of the soldiers, one was in the Navy, another in the Army, and the eleven others were in the Marines. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Coming into Seadrift on Highway, 185 you will see a beautiful memorial set up in memory of these fallen heroes. There are thirteen flags representing each of the thirteen who died that day. An additional three flags representing each branch of service our heroes served with are displayed. In addition to the flags are two signs that read “Our 13 Heroes You Are Not Forgotten.”

Our thanks of appreciation for setting up the memorial goes to the Seadrift City Crew for setting up the flags and to the County for donating the signs. -Tanya DeForest

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2023 Port O’Connor Boat and Fishing Expo scheduled for October 6th-8th. Come see all your favorite boats, kayaks, tackle, rods, accessories, apparel, guides and everything Port O’Connor has to offer! Make plans to visit the ‘Culinary Corner’ for cooking demonstrations and the Community Center for our guest speakers. Follow our Facebook page @POCBoatandFishingExpo for up to date information and the list of exhibitors!

The Expo hours are Friday 1:00pm-7:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am-7:00pm and Sunday, 10:00am-2:00pm.
This event is free to the public thanks to the support of our sponsors: Jeco’s Marine and Tackle; Freedom Boats; Ron Hoover RV, Marine & Equipment Centers; First National Bank of Port Lavaca; Infinium; POC Washateria; and Formosa Plastics.

Approaching Fall and Beach Rides

Greetings from the off-grid Matagorda Peninsula barrier island, located approximately 5 miles off the coast of Port O’Connor, TX., with West Matagorda Bay to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico bordering the south side. Many people that are not associated with an isolated homesteading lifestyle, are not familiar with the off-grid concept, and what it mostly entails. Not to worry, in a not too distant future, writing, maybe a tad closer to my 20 year island anniversary, I shall explain in depth, what I like to refer to as “living beyond the sidewalks”, and the peaks and valleys that this lifestyle encompasses. So stay tuned!

Fifteen more days. . . just fifteen more days, as of me sitting at my little kitchen table and writing this, and glorious Fall will officially begin. Umm, YAY!! I distinctly remember telling myself last summer, that it was the hottest summer yet for me out here, at that time. Well, I can toss that hottest summer theory out into the lagoon now! The present summer has not only been the hottest, but by FAR has been the driest, with a mere 3.1” of rain falling on the island since June 1. Simply brutal conditions. Thank the Lord that a consistent Gulf breeze, along with shade and cool drinks, and a few Dewalt 20 volt fans, have helped during the hottest times of the day throughout the summer.

Corky and I have been making regular trips down to the beach to enjoy the cooler surf breeze, and so Mr. Dog can run in the water and chase little beach birds. The tar balls that had littered the beach a month or so ago have pretty much disappeared, thank goodness. The beach has been pretty clean lately, but a few seashell and sand dollar finds can be appreciated if you slowly walk with the sand beneath your feet. During the sea turtle nesting season, primarily April-July, I always keep an eye out for turtle tracks leading from the surf towards the dunes, and then back out again. Corky and I just enjoy the serenity of riding in the golf cart and walking along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the surf, and never knowing what treasures you might find washed ashore.

I’ve seen one hummingbird scout buzzing around the porch this week, so I filled my two feeders with sugar water, hoping that a few of them will make a stop-over on their trek south this Fall. This past Spring I had more hummers than ever before, so I’m hoping the trend continues every year now. It’s entertaining watching them fight for the feeders and hearing their unique chirping noises.

Well that’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and have a great day. And please remember to tell those close to you, those that make you happy and smile, that you appreciate them. Life offers no promises. . kind words are priceless.

Clint Bennetsen is a retired police detective, now residing full time on Matagorda Peninsula Island for nearly 18 years. Clint writes his monthly Island Life column in the Dolphin Talk newspaper, telling of his adventures, beach finds and off-grid lifestyle. Clint can be reached for questions or comments at dolphin1@tisd.net, or ccbennetsen@yahoo.com.